Combined Wheel And Valve Stem Patents (Class 152/427)
  • Patent number: 11629790
    Abstract: A pinch clamp device for a flexible tube is disclosed, the pinch clamp device comprising a first part (2) and a second part (3) that are movable with respect to each other, wherein the first part (2) comprises a first conduit (5) for housing a flexible tube and the second part (3) comprises a second conduit (6) for housing the same flexible tube, wherein the first part (2) and the second part (3) are arranged in an interacting manner such that the pinch clamp device can be present in a first position or in a second position, wherein a flow of a fluid within a flexible tube arranged inside the first conduit (5) and the second conduit (6) is enabled in the first position, and wherein a flow of a fluid within a flexible tube arranged inside the first conduit (5) and the second conduit (6) is prevented in the second position. According to an aspect of the invention, the first part (2) and the second part (3) are designed axisymmetrically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Fresenius Vial SAS
    Inventor: Emeric Mermet
  • Patent number: 11407262
    Abstract: An inflation valve having a tubular core surrounded with an elastically deformable sleeve with a bulb widening toward the internal longitudinal end of the valve and bearing a sealing groove on its outer contour, the groove being adapted for receiving an edge of the orifice of the rim in its interior. There is a cavity between the bulb and the tubular core, having an oval-shaped outer periphery and a first spacing taken in a first direction radial to the tubular core that is greater than a second spacing taken in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a cross section of the inflation valve taken at the position of the cavity exhibiting symmetry with respect to the first and second directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Baptiste De Fenoyl, Guillaume Leger
  • Patent number: 11179980
    Abstract: A tire valve for controlled filling and emptying of a tire, having a valve body and a filling conduit, which is routed in the valve body from a valve inlet to a valve outlet and in which a filling valve is provided. In order to be able to perform an emptying of the tire, an emptying conduit, which is separated from the filling conduit in a pressure-tight manner, is formed in the valve body and includes an emptying valve, and from this emptying conduit an emptying opening leads through the valve body to the outside, wherein a shut-off element of the emptying valve is coupled to an element, which is movable by pressure medium loading, in such a way that a movement of the movable element, which is brought about by the pressure medium loading in the filling conduit, moves the shut-off element of the emptying valve into an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignees: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC., KT PROJEKTENTWICKLUNGS GMBH
    Inventors: Martin P. Spindler, Konstantinos Tsiberidis
  • Patent number: 11065925
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tire valve stem assembly for a pneumatic tire having a valve stem for inflating the tire and having a member extending from the valve stem into an interior of the tire to prevent clogging or minimize clogging of the valve stem by leak sealing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Inventor: Dan Millard Shasteen
  • Patent number: 10969027
    Abstract: A valve stem having a hollow tube and a compression sleeve mounted to the hollow tube; wherein the hollow tube and compression sleeve are partially insertable through a container wall opening from an exterior side of the container wall through to an interior side of the container wall, and a mechanism accessible from the exterior side of the container wall to compress the compression sleeve against the interior side of the container wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Todd Johnson
  • Patent number: 10710417
    Abstract: A control circuit for controlling the pressure of a wheel enclosing a first volume and a second volume includes a controlled pressure line, a first line, connectable to the controlled pressure line and connected to the first volume for introducing air inside the first volume, and a second line, connectable to the controlled pressure line and connected to the second volume for introducing air inside the second volume. The control circuit further includes a first spool valve, which is a three way-two positions valve, having a first position in which the controlled pressure line is connected to the first line, and a second position, in which the controlled pressure line is connected to the second line. The first spool valve switches from the first position to the second position if the pressure in the first volume exceeds a predetermined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Alessandro Benevelli, Riccardo Morselli
  • Patent number: 10611105
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing pressurized air and/or tire sealant from a pressurized can. The apparatus comprising a nozzle and a locking element for the nozzle and/or a cap including a free length of hose that is positioned within the cap. The locking element locks the nozzle in the non-dispensing position for safety during non-use or in a dispensing position for ease of use. The hose provides an extension for the nozzle for hard to reach places, and stores fully wound within the cap, such as along the inner circumference of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Carey Christopher Costle, Stephen Edward Richey
  • Patent number: 10539247
    Abstract: A valve stem having a hollow tube and a compression sleeve mounted to the hollow tube; wherein the hollow tube and compression sleeve are partially insertable through a container wall opening from an exterior side of the container wall through to an interior side of the container wall, and a mechanism accessible from the exterior side of the container wall to compress the compression sleeve against the interior side of the container wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Inventor: Todd Johnson
  • Patent number: 10508196
    Abstract: A rubber composition is provided which exhibits a high level of flex fatigue resistance, ozone resistance, building tack, bondability to diene based rubbers, and low temperature resistance. The rubber composition contains EPDM rubber, natural rubber, high cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber, and from 5 phr to 30 phr of a butyl ionomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: CONTITECH TECHNO-CHEMIE GMBH
    Inventors: Guangzhuo Rong, Thomas George Burrowes, Prem Thapa
  • Patent number: 10252587
    Abstract: An exterior installable air valve for a tire rim using an exterior operated nut compressing a gasket against a wedge to expand the gasket for sealing to a wheel rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Inventor: Neil Johnson
  • Patent number: 10203041
    Abstract: Described are valve stems for wheels or other pressure vessels that may be installed from the exterior of a wheel or pressure vessel without access to the interior, pressure retaining areas. The valve stem may include a body with a barrel and taper. A neck may be between the body and a base that includes a flange, a flange landing, and an air aperture. An air channel runs vertically through the valve stem to allow air to pass from one side of the valve stem to another with a valve core or other flow control device. The base of the valve stem may include a groove that allows the valve stem to be installed into a hole by twisting such that the groove may ride along the rim of the hole and guide the valve stem into a fully seated and sealed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Inventor: Raymond H. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10044179
    Abstract: A method of installing elongate bodies in a building includes the steps of providing a blocking body having one or more openings; blocking a hole in a support structure of a building with the blocking body, the hole passing through the support structure; and inserting at least one elongate body through at least one of the one or more openings in the blocking body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Inventor: Gabe Coscarella
  • Patent number: 9630460
    Abstract: A valve stem for mounting and supporting a tire pressure monitoring assembly includes a flange formed after insertion into the wheel rim for preventing movement caused by forces generated during wheel rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Hettle, Jean-Christophe Deniau, Franz Hillenmayer, Christian Kempf, Francois Gory
  • Patent number: 9539870
    Abstract: A valve unit (1) with a single-piece valve body (4) includes a cylindrical collar (5), a valve seat (7), a main duct (9) and an auxiliary duct (10). The cylindrical collar (5) projects from a reference plane (12) obtained in the valve body (4) and is configured so that it can be arranged against a rim (2) when the cylindrical collar (5) is inserted in a hole (6). The cylindrical collar (5) has an end (5a) configured so that it can be deformed and can define a flared portion (13) of the main duct (9) which interferes with the rim (2) at the level of the hole (6) thus providing a mechanism (11) for fixing the valve unit (1) to the rim (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Inventors: Alberto Deanesi, Gabriele Tezza
  • Patent number: 9511624
    Abstract: The present invention relates to attaching aerodynamic wheel covers to the wheel of a truck or other heavy duty vehicle, and to a method of installation that does not require the removal of the nuts retaining the wheel to the hub of the axle and allows the air pressure of tires on such wheels to be easily adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: RealWheels Corporation
    Inventor: John Polka
  • Patent number: 9499016
    Abstract: A valve stem for coupling a TPMS wheel unit to a wheel rim, TPMS wheel unit and valve stem assembly and installation thereof are disclosed. The valve stem comprises a bulb, an inner tubular member, and an outer tubular member; the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member being fixedly attached to the bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Christophe Deniau, Martin Jankowski, Matthew D McIntyre
  • Patent number: 9493044
    Abstract: A tire valve having a valve body engaging in a rim bore of a rim, in particular vehicle rim, which valve body forms a lower valve body section arranged on a side of the rim, in particular in the rim interior, in the assembled state, and an upper valve body section projecting from the rim bore, and in the region of the upper valve body section is designed to cooperate with a union nut, wherein the lower valve body section forms a ring shoulder offering an abutment for a flat edge section of the rim bore, and in which a ring groove which is open to the edge section is molded, and against which the edge section can be gripped by tightening the union nut, and a molded seal made from resilient material is provided to seal the rim bore with respect to the valve body, so that in the assembled and gripped state, an annular chamber section of the molded seal engages in the ring groove and rests in sealing manner on the edge section of the rim bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Alligator Ventilfabrik GmbH
    Inventor: Renato Palaoro
  • Patent number: 9434222
    Abstract: A snap-in tire valve for mounting in a valve hole in a wheel rim, having a valve body and a resilient member having an overall shape including a groove and a rib adapted to snap into and be retained in the hole. The resilient member may include a rubber that is the reaction product of ethylene-propylene copolymer elastomer, a peroxide curative, zinc diacrylate or zinc dimethacrylate, and a high-density inert filler, such as barium sulfate. The resilient member may include a first and second rubber members of different compositions from each other and defining two layers under the groove. The thickness of the layer of the first rubber member is preferably greater than the thickness of the layer of the second rubber member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: GATES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Donald James Burlett, John Graeme Knox
  • Patent number: 9410354
    Abstract: A pressing device is provided with a pin member, a coil-like spring member, and a spring receiving member which has a through-hole for allowing the pin member to be inserted therein and which supports one end of the spring member. The pin member has: a shaft section which has the spring member disposed on the outer peripheral side thereof; a head section which is interconnected with one end of the shaft section and which can come into contact with the contact surface of the opening/closing body; a spring support section which supports the other end of the spring member; and an engagement claw which engages with the outer surface of the mounting portion and which prevents the pressing device from being dislocated from the mounting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: PIOLAX, INC.
    Inventor: Hisashi Nakasone
  • Patent number: 9365074
    Abstract: The present invention relates to attaching aerodynamic wheel covers to the wheel of a truck or other heavy duty vehicle, and to a method of installation that does not require the removal of the nuts retaining the wheel to the hub of the axle and allows the air pressure of tires on such wheels to be easily adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: RealWheels Corporation
    Inventor: John Polka
  • Patent number: 9290070
    Abstract: A wheel rim is equipped with an inflation valve (10) that is capable of elastic deformation adapted to be positioned in an opening (30) in the wheel rim (31) of a wheel of a motor vehicle. The valve (10) exhibits a valve body (12) made from an elastically deformable material surrounding a valve core (11) adapted to form an air passageway (15). The valve body (12) is provided with a sealing groove (21) adapted to receive the wheel rim, and with an intermediate part (22) having a diameter greater than the opening in the wheel rim. The inflation valve (10) is provided in addition with an element for the distribution (40) of shear forces pre-installed on the valve body (12). A method of installation of the inflation valve is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignees: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE FRANCE, CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Gwenn Lelievre, Frederic Gaugain, Pascal Petitjean
  • Patent number: 9278591
    Abstract: A flexible reinforced tire valve is disclosed. The flexible reinforced tire valve comprises a tube body, a flexible sleeve and a collar. The flexible sleeve is further disposed with a second blocking edge. When the flexible reinforced tire valve is installed on the wheel rim, the upper edge of the collar presses against the second blocking edge and the lower edge of the collar presses against an outer surface of the wheel rim so as to strengthen the durability of the tire valve against centrifugal force, whereby the tire will not leak even if the vehicle moves at high speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: E-LEAD ELECTRONIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Stephen Chen
  • Patent number: 9272572
    Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a wheel base and a side rim disposed about the wheel base. A recess is formed on an inside surface of the side rim. A cavity is disposed between the wheel base and the side rim. An air seal is disposed between the wheel base and the side rim. A locking mechanism secures the side rim in position around the wheel base. The locking mechanism is configured to prevent the air seal from disengaging with the inside surface and allowing air to exit the wheel assembly between the wheel base and the side rim when the locking mechanism is properly installed. The locking mechanism is also configured to permit the air seal to disengage the inside surface and allow air to exit the wheel assembly between the wheel base and the side rim when the locking mechanism is not properly installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Lee Phillis, Rick Brown, Scottie Whittle, Andrew Slanker
  • Patent number: 9084919
    Abstract: A stability ball inflation and deflation system includes a stability ball with a bore, and a plug within the bore walls. An air-control module engaged within the axial channel of the plug selectively allows air to pass in one or both directions. The air-control module includes a one-way air valve, and a cap releasably sealable to the plug. An airway extending from the one-way valve provides fluid communication with the interior of the stability ball. An inflator adapted to engage the one-way air valve may be removably coupled to the air valve, and provide air passages to direct air from a pressurized air cartridge into the stability ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Exemplar Design, LLC
    Inventor: Adam L. Ross
  • Publication number: 20150091273
    Abstract: A valve unit (1) with a single-piece valve body (4) includes a cylindrical collar (5), a valve seat (7), a main duct (9) and an auxiliary duct (10). The cylindrical collar (5) projects from a reference plane (12) obtained in the valve body (4) and is configured so that it can be arranged against a rim (2) when the cylindrical collar (5) is inserted in a hole (6). The cylindrical collar (5) has an end (5a) configured so that it can be deformed and can define a flared portion (13) of the main duct (9) which interferes with the rim (2) at the level of the hole (6) thus providing a mechanism (11) for fixing the valve unit (1) to the rim (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Alberto Deanesi, Gabriele Tezza
  • Patent number: 8978723
    Abstract: A solid vacuum wheel and tire assembly incorporating a vacuum to adhere a solid tire in place against a wheel rim, allowing for safe and reliable operation. The assembly incorporates a flexible solid tire core which contracts into place after a vacuum is applied, contracting and adhering directly onto the wheel rim and filling a void between the rim and tire, having no air pressure to go flat or release if punctured. Vacuum channels installed along the wheel rim direct a vacuum seal to the tire core. A vacuum valve is installed into a vacuum chamber, which acts as a conduit to direct the vacuum throughout the assembly. The solid tire incorporates a possible concave shaped tire tread configuration, tire tread rubber and a steel belt. The solid tire core material comprising of solid or porous rubber, jell or a combination of each provides a solid flexible non-pneumatic core structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Marion McCulley
  • Publication number: 20150059948
    Abstract: A wheel rim is equipped with an inflation valve (10) that is capable of elastic deformation adapted to be positioned in an opening (30) in the wheel rim (31) of a wheel of a motor vehicle. The valve (10) exhibits a valve body (12) made from an elastically deformable material surrounding a valve core (11) adapted to form an air passageway (15). The valve body (12) is provided with a sealing groove (21) adapted to receive the wheel rim, and with an intermediate part (22) having a diameter greater than the opening in the wheel rim. The inflation valve (10) is provided in addition with an element for the distribution (40) of shear forces pre-installed on the valve body (12). A method of installation of the inflation valve is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicants: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH, CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE FRANCE
    Inventors: Gwenn LELIEVRE, Frederic GAUGAIN, Pascal PETITJEAN
  • Publication number: 20150007920
    Abstract: A wheel is configured by attaching a rim and a hub mounting part via an attaching portion. The wheel has a pneumatic tire mounted on the rim, and is mounted on the vehicle hub by the hub mounting part. The wheel comprises an air passage that penetrates through the attaching portion and opens on the outer circumferential surface of the rim and the mounting surface of the hub mounting part. The wheel also comprises a plurality of air passages that are mutually independent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Atsushi Tanno
  • Patent number: 8807182
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic tire pressurizing and regulating system. The system maintains a predetermined pressure in a pneumatic tire during rotation of the tire. The system comprises a fill valve, one or more pumping devices, and a belt that provides fluid pathways that allow fluid (e.g., air) to flow between the outside atmosphere, the pumping device(s), and the tire as needed to maintain the predetermined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Steven Jerome Kelly
  • Publication number: 20140224399
    Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes a wheel assembly which defines a chamber that houses a pressurized fluid. A wheel valve assembly is attached to the wheel assembly and is in fluid communication with the chamber. The wheel valve assembly is operable between an open position and a closed position. The wheel valve assembly includes an area having a first flow capacity. A valve assembly is selectively in fluid communication with the wheel valve assembly. The valve assembly includes an area formed in a perforation that has a second flow capacity. The second flow capacity is less than the first flow capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Melvin B. Mozingo, Lloyd G. Racine, Jason M. Sidders, Venkata R. Kona, Kurt P. Gillen, Brian V. Knapke
  • Patent number: 8776850
    Abstract: A fixing element (470) that enables an electronic unit (440) to be fixed on the inside of a tire-wheel assembly, on the tubular insert (433) of an inflation valve (430) of the tire-wheel assembly, the fixing element comprising: an interface piece (471) comprising means to establish a connection with the tubular insert of the valve and a housing (488) for a seal (460); at least one container (473) holding or designed to hold the electronic unit; and at least one attachment piece (472) that enables elastic coupling between the interface piece and the container. A method for mounting an electronic unit (440) on a tire-wheel assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignees: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A., TRW Automotive U.S., LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Botte, Xavier Huchard, Julien Moynet, José-Philippe Valente
  • Publication number: 20140116593
    Abstract: A wheel having a recess thereon to offset the weight of a valve stem and/or a tire sensor so that the wheel will be balanced for normal operational use on a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Wheel Pros, LLC
    Inventor: Wheel Pros, LLC
  • Patent number: 8646477
    Abstract: A structure of valve stem and frame lining includes a frame lining, a valve body, and a stem. At least two ribs are formed on one face of the frame lining, and the other opposite face of the frame lining is engaged with a base portion of the valve body by molding. The stem is disposed in an air channel of the valve body to control availability of air through the air channel. More particularly, when being disposed on a wheel frame, the frame lining has a width which enables the frame lining to overlap an outer cover engaged with the wheel frame to provide good sealing performance. Besides, the ribs help the frame lining be positioned on the wheel frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Yuan-Hung Wen
  • Publication number: 20140034203
    Abstract: This invention describes a system to maintain equal pressure in a pair of dual tires, and also incorporates a valve mechanism that will prevent one dual wheel tire from going flat in the event the other dual wheel tire experiences a rapid air loss. Dual wheels are typically mounted on the vehicle hub with both wheel disc faces in direct contact with each other. To ensure equal pressure in both tires, this invention has air passageways machined into the wheels such that the air passageways meet at the interface between the wheels where the wheel disc faces are in direct contact. These junctions are sealed by a rubber seal or gasket. Both tires can then be inflated or deflated simultaneously through a standard air valve located on either wheel. Where a dual wheel arrangement requires the use of an intermediate piece between the dual wheels, air passageways can connect the two-piece wheels via intermediate air passageways going through the common intermediate piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Olivier L. Noblanc, Christopher R. Renson, Peter K. Hobe, Larry K. Rogers, Olivier Marsaly
  • Publication number: 20140023518
    Abstract: An automatic micro-pump which is able to replace the depleted air in a tire without any required action from the driver of a motor vehicle. Using the kinetic energy of the rotating tire, the micro-pump maintains the tire pressure from losses due to rubber permeability or temperature changes. The micro pump has an off-balance winding wheel (26) and a primary gear set (50). The off-balance winding wheel drives the primary gear set (50), and a secondary gear set (58) connected to and driven by the primary gear set (50). A pump assembly (86) is connected to and driven by the secondary gear set (58) such that as the off-balance winding wheel rotates, the off-balance winding wheel drives the primary gear set (50), and the primary gear set (50) drives the secondary gear set (58), driving the pump and increasing the air pressure in the tire. The pump assembly (86) draws air from the atmosphere, and forces the air into the tire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Timothy F. O'Brien, Daniel Vern Beckley
  • Patent number: 8631695
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a valve stem assembly for a tire pressure monitoring system sensor. The assembly can comprise a valve stem body, and a grommet for purposes of engaging a vehicle wheel. The valve stem body can comprise an attachment end to be attached to a pressure sensor to determine tire air pressure. The valve stem assembly can further comprise a cap that is releasably engaged to the valve stem body which can limit movement of the valve stem assembly relative to the vehicle wheel, the cap having a closed end to cover an air transfer end of the valve stem, and a second open end to overlay the valve stem body and grommet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Seunghun Choe, Hirotake Harada
  • Publication number: 20130333817
    Abstract: A tire valve for snap-in mounting in a valve hole in a wheel rim, having a resilient member surrounding and bonded to at least a portion of the valve body, wherein the resilient member is a vulcanized rubber composition comprising ethylene alpha-olefin elastomer, carbon black, high-density inert filler, and an efficient vulcanization cure system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: THE GATES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Donald James Burlett
  • Patent number: 8590585
    Abstract: A system. The system includes a wheel, and a valve assembly secured to an exterior surface of the wheel. The wheel defines a first air passageway. The valve assembly includes a valve member, and an adapter member connected to the valve member. The adapter member adjoins a vehicle wheel hub if the wheel is connected to the vehicle wheel hub. The valve assembly defines a second air passageway and a third air passageway. A first end of the first air passageway adjoins a first end of the second air passageway. A first end of the third air passageway adjoins an air passageway of the vehicle wheel hub if the wheel is connected to the vehicle wheel hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hutchinson, S.A.
    Inventor: Larry K. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20130282232
    Abstract: The present invention is a valve for use in a central tire inflation system including a casing securable to the rim of a vehicle in communication with the tire that houses a main body connectable to a pressurized fluid supply of the central tire inflation system, and a valve member moveable within the main body to control the flow of air through the valve. The valve can be mounted flush on the exterior surface of the rim or in a recessed position within the rim, and can be connected to a manifold that is able to control the flow of pressurized fluid from the central tire inflation system to each valve and tire connected to the valve. The operation of the manifold and pressurized fluid supply can be controlled utilizing a controller operably connected to the manifold and fluid supply, and to sensing devices in the valve that supply information regarding the operational conditions of the vehicle to the controller to assist in adjusting the inflation of the tires as necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Martin A. Medley, Douglas P. Miller
  • Publication number: 20130269849
    Abstract: A valve stem may comprise an auxiliary port. Devices such as an air pressure gauge, a tire pressure monitoring system sensor, temperature gauges and one-way valves may be mounted to the auxiliary port. A valve stem with auxiliary port may be used in an automatic tire inflation system. A sleeve may be translatably mounted to the valve stem to cover and uncover the auxiliary port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: EQUALAIRE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Kevin Hennig, Peter N.M.I. Fountain
  • Patent number: 8511332
    Abstract: A valve of the “Snap-In” type is intended to be mounted directly on the rim of a vehicle wheel fitted with a “tubeless” tire. The valve is secured to the rim through which it passes via a groove produced at the base of a bulb extended by a rubbery coating of an internal nozzle of the valve. The groove collaborates elastically with a hole in the rim, on the periphery of which hole it becomes lodged, the mass or the volume of the bulb being smaller in its region (A) toward the interior of the rim by comparison with its region (B) directed toward the exterior, this reduction taking place near the groove intended to collaborate with the hole in the rim, both in the part thereof that surrounds the nozzle and in the part thereof that is in contact with the bottom of the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Schrader SAS
    Inventor: Aurelien Robert
  • Patent number: 8505598
    Abstract: The instant invention is a pressure release safety system for a multi-piece wheel rim and tubeless tire combination, teaching designs for automatically relieving/releasing pressure as part of its disassembly. In this invention, fastening elements used to hold together portions of a wheel rim are provided with a blocking device or devices that prevents loosening and/or removal of fastening elements until said blocking device is first moved from a blocking position, where movement of the blocking device from its blocking position directly or indirectly opens or requires the opening of a pressure relief channel or channels—allowing, enabling and effecting depressurization of the sealed pressure vessel. When applied in the context of a tubeless two-piece wheel/tire assembly, the invention advantageously may include a blocking or safety device (typically in the form of a ring) that covers all or a critical portion of the nuts/studs that hold the two piece wheel together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Hutchinson, S.A.
    Inventors: Olivier Marsaly, Larry K. Rogers, Peter K. Hobe
  • Publication number: 20130186536
    Abstract: A wheel rim device includes a rim member having a bridge extending between two side walls, and a valve device having a valve stem engaged with the bridge and having a sealing member attached to the valve stem for engaging with the bridge and for anchoring the valve stem to the bridge of the rim member and for making an air tight seal between the valve stem and the rim member, and the sealing member includes a casing engaged onto the valve stem and engaged between the valve stem and the bridge for further making a solid and stable air tight seal between the valve stem and the rim member. The casing is engaged onto a flanged head of the valve stem for engaging with the bridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: Chin Chuan LEE
  • Patent number: 8453692
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle wheel, preferably a light alloy wheel, in which the compressed-air non-return valve is positioned axially in a valve unit (3a) in the center of the wheel hub (1), the pressure medium, air or other gases, being supplied either manually from the exterior via the valve (2a) or automatically from the vehicle side via the valve (2b) of the axial bore (9a). The pressure medium reaches the wheel base (35) and the tires via radial channels (9b) or pipes (9g) inside the wheel or the spokes. The axial and central valve (2a) allows the position of the valve to remain accessible irrespective of the position of the wheel, both for the manual filling of the tire from the exterior and for connection to the fully automatic tire pressure control system of the vehicle on the vehicle side. During operation, no shear forces or torques, which put a strain on wrist and elbow joints, are produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Fereshteh Saadat
  • Patent number: 8360121
    Abstract: A wheel having a controlled and compensated pressure includes a rim associated with a tank adapted to be filled with a fluid to a first pressure; a tyre mounted on the rim and having an inner volume inflated to an operating pressure, the operating pressure being lower than the first pressure; at least one valve adapted to regulate a communication between the tank and the inner volume of the tyre, the valve having at least one elastic element operatively associated with a closure member designed to open and close a port of the valve to bring the tank into communication with the tyre when the pressure of the tyre is lower than the operating pressure, the elastic element having an elastic constant showing a variation of 10% to 40% within a temperature range of about ?50° C. to about 50° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Pirelli Tyre S.p.A.
    Inventors: Renato Caretta, Pier Giuseppe Piantanida, Giorgia Sgalari, Massimo Filippi
  • Patent number: 8312904
    Abstract: The invention is based on a valve with a valve body (1) having: an air duct (5) which penetrates the valve body (1), in particular in the axial direction (3), and a valve foot (7) which is formed, in particular in one piece, with the valve body (1), on an end (9) of the valve body (1) which is proximal with respect to a rim edge in the installed position, wherein a distal end (8) of the valve body (1) is provided to engage through a valve hole in the rim edge, and the valve foot (7) is provided for arrangement on a tyre-side side of the rim edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Alligator Ventilfabrik GmbH
    Inventor: Renato Palaoro
  • Patent number: 8245747
    Abstract: Inflation valve having a tube and designed for use in an assembly consisting of a tire and a wheel, the valve having: (i) snap-in mechanism that enable the valve to be fixed in a cylindrical hole of circular cross-section formed in a rim of the wheel; (ii) mechanism suitable for receiving a torque intended to rotate the valve in the hole; (iii) an attachment piece provided with a mechanism for attaching the valve to a unit designed to be fitted inside the tire; the mechanism the valve to be attached to the unit being such that the attachment piece is separated from the unit when the valve is rotated in the hole in a predetermined rotation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignees: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A., Wonder S.p.A., TRW Automotive U.S., LLC
    Inventors: Jérôme Monjuvent, Patrick Botte, Julien Moynet, Matteo Gosi
  • Publication number: 20120152422
    Abstract: A system. The system includes a wheel, and a valve assembly secured to an exterior surface of the wheel. The wheel defines a first air passageway. The valve assembly includes a valve member, and an adapter member connected to the valve member. The adapter member adjoins a vehicle wheel hub if the wheel is connected to the vehicle wheel hub. The valve assembly defines a second air passageway and a third air passageway. A first end of the first air passageway adjoins a first end of the second air passageway. A first end of the third air passageway adjoins an air passageway of the vehicle wheel hub if the wheel is connected to the vehicle wheel hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Hutchinson SA
    Inventor: Larry K. ROGERS
  • Publication number: 20120138202
    Abstract: A central tire inflation system. The system includes a central tire inflation valve and a hub bore manifold. The hub bore manifold is connected to and surrounds the central tire inflation valve. The hub bore manifold defines first and second air passageways which are in communication with the central tire inflation valve. The hub bore manifold is configured for removable connection to a hub of a vehicle and is also configured to fit within a central opening of a wheel of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Hutchinson, SA
    Inventors: Lars Johan Resare, Michael G. Hartman, Larry K. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20120067483
    Abstract: This is an apparatus and system for integration of Central Tire Inflation (CTI) valve functionality directly into a wheel. The CTI valve may be attached to the wheel or integrated into the wheel. In addition, the CTI valve may have a valve body or the valve components can be installed directly into the wheel. An air passageway between the vehicle air source and the CTI valve and/or an air passageway from the CTI valve to the tire cavity can also be employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: Hutchinson S.A.
    Inventors: Lars Johan RESARE, Olivier Marsaly, Larry K. Rogers, Pascal Seradarian